Top 3 Gaming Handhelds from CES 2025 Every PC Gamer Needs

MikeK01/10/20252 Mins read18 Views

Gamers can look forward to an exciting year ahead as 2025 promises to be a remarkable time for gaming hardware. The recent CES 2025 showcased a plethora of new PC gaming hardware, with Nvidia’s latest RTX 5000 series GPUs taking center stage. However, the true highlight for many attendees has been the advancements in handheld gaming PCs, breathing fresh air into a burgeoning market that began to flourish with Valve’s game-changing Steam Deck.

MSI Claw 8 AI+
Lenovo Legion Go S
Acer Nitro Blaze 8

1. MSI Claw 8 AI+

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ being shown off at IFA 2024 — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

The MSI Claw 8 AI+ has become one of the most anticipated handheld gaming PCs at CES 2025, following its reveal last December. This time around, MSI has upgraded to the more efficient Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor, which boasts improved battery life and performance compared to its predecessor. With the integrated Intel Arc 140V GPU, gaming enthusiasts can look forward to smoother gameplay.

Notably, benchmarks suggest that the Claw 8 AI+ demonstrates superior performance with a 17W power draw, making it a noteworthy competitor against other handheld devices like the Asus ROG Ally X according to MSI’s claims. A standout moment was captured by ETAPrime, demonstrating the Claw AI 8+ handling the demanding title Cyberpunk 2077 with ultra ray tracing settings while maintaining a consistent frame rate of around 40fps.

Those interested can pre-order the device on MSI’s official US store for $899.99, although details regarding availability in the UK and Australia remain elusive.

2. Lenovo Legion Go S

Image of Lenovo Legion Go S — (Image credit: Lenovo)

Following its predecessor’s missteps, the Lenovo Legion Go S aims to redefine expectations for handheld gaming. While the original model featured a high-resolution 1600p display powered by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor, the performance didn’t match the lofty specs. With the Legion Go S, Lenovo is introducing significant upgrades, including a 1920×1200 120Hz VRR 8-inch display and options for up to 32GB of RAM.

What sets this model apart is its versatility, allowing users the choice between SteamOS or Windows 11, along with configurations featuring either the Ryzen Z2 Go or Z1 Extreme chip. The lowered resolution may initially seem unfavorable, but it should facilitate smoother gameplay under the new setup.

Models running Windows 11 are now available for pre-order at Best Buy, starting at $729.99, with shipments expected soon. The SteamOS versions are anticipated to hit the market in May, while the Legion Go 2, equipped with the newer Z2 Extreme, is still in development but rumored for release later this year.

3. Acer Nitro Blaze 8

Image of Acer Nitro Blaze 8 — (Image credit: Acer)

The Acer Nitro Blaze 8 is another contender to watch, particularly as its larger sibling, the Nitro Blaze 11, is considered too bulky for handheld enjoyment. The smaller model promises to deliver robust gaming capabilities while maintaining a more comfortable size. Featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor and boasting a 144Hz refresh rate on an 8.8-inch display, it aims to satisfy performance-seeking gamers.

Although there are concerns about potential performance limitations related to its ambitious 1600p display, the Nitro Blaze 8 could emerge as a competitive handheld option when it launches in Q2 at a price point starting at $899. Its capabilities alongside the Legion Go S and MSI Claw 8 AI+ could make this a fantastic year for fans of handheld PC gaming.